[TSOJOURNER]

I just purchased a Hans Christian Traditional with an encapsulated fiberglass keel filled with iron. Years ago, I read an article about people who forced filled their keel (from the bottom-up) with an epoxy or fiberglass resin. Does anyone remember this article or have solid professional information on this subject? Thanks, GeneS/V Layla (formerly The Velvet Swan)

 

[TSOJOURNER]

I have not . But if you do hear about something please let me know.

 

[TSOJOURNER]

I remember that article faintly and it seems to my recollection that they pulled and leveled the boat, drilled a number of 1/4" holes in the base of the keel to drain water that had invaded the space.
Once they believed the inside voids were "dry" they filled the bottom holes and proceeded to work their way up the sides of the keel filling it with resin until it overflowed the current holes sealed and went up 4 or 6" and did it again. They did this until they were above the level of the Pig Iron used as ballast. If your boat has water in the Keel it can cause a problem with rust expansion. I suggest that you check with local boat yards to see if they have expertise before attempting this job. Drilling holes in you keel is a serious matter. If you do not have any bulging and see no signs of structual problems you probally should not attempt this. I would also post this question on your boat manufactures BB if there is one and on the CW/SW BB. You might find more expertise out here.